'I'm just asking for a fair process': Chris Froome confirms he plans to ride in this year's Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

'I'm just asking for a fair process': Chris Froome confirms he plans to ride in this year's Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

'I'm just asking for a fair process': Chris Froome confirms he plans to ride in this year's Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

'I'm just asking for a fair process': Chris Froome confirms he plans to ride in this year's Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

FILE - In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 file photo, Britain's Chris Froome, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey crosses the finish line during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 214.5 kilometers (133.3 miles) with start in Pau and finish in Peyragudes, France. Chris Froome returned to racing on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 despite being under investigation by cycling’s world governing body for failing a doping test. Froome is participating in the five-day Ruta del Sol in southern Spain, an event he won in 2015. “I know I have done nothing wrong, that’s my starting point,” Froome said. “There is a process in place for me to be up to demonstrate that, and that’s obviously what I intend to do.” (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 file photo, Britain's Chris Froome, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey crosses the finish line during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 214.5 kilometers (133.3 miles) with start in Pau and finish in Peyragudes, France. Chris Froome returned to racing on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 despite being under investigation by cycling’s world governing body for failing a doping test. Froome is participating in the five-day Ruta del Sol in southern Spain, an event he won in 2015. “I know I have done nothing wrong, that’s my starting point,” Froome said. “There is a process in place for me to be up to demonstrate that, and that’s obviously what I intend to do.” (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Froome returns to racing despite doping investigation

FILE - In this Thursday, July 13, 2017 file photo, Britain's Chris Froome, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey crosses the finish line during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 214.5 kilometers (133.3 miles) with start in Pau and finish in Peyragudes, France. Chris Froome returned to racing on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 despite being under investigation by cyclings world governing body for failing a doping test. Froome is participating in the five-day Ruta del Sol in southern Spain, an event he won in 2015. I know I have done nothing wrong, thats my starting point, Froome said. There is a process in place for me to be up to demonstrate that, and thats obviously what I intend to do. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Tour de France 2017 winner Chris Froome of Britain poses with the Golden bike trophy he received during the presentation of the itinerary of the 2018 Tour de France cycling race in Paris

Tour de France 2017 winner Chris Froome of Britain poses with the Golden bike trophy he received during the presentation of the itinerary of the 2018 Tour de France cycling race in Paris, France, October 17, 2017. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

A happy, healthy marriage: meet the couple who have been cycling together for 64 years

If you’re looking for a novel way to spend Valentine’s Day as a couple, or an exciting idea for first date then donning the Lycra, clipping in to the pedals and cycling into the sunset could be the best way to a long and loving partnership. New research shows that going for a ride may be the best way to set the wheels in motion on a new relationship. A survey carried out by the dating app Bumble and AirBnb reveals that 77 percent of women would be impressed by a prospective partner suggesting a new experience as a date option – and cycling together featured among the favourites. Riding for romance has certainly worked for Jack White, 86, and wife Pamela, 84. The couple, who regularly rides around their home town of Ludlow, in Shropshire are celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary this year. They insist that it’s a shared love of cycling that’s kept their marriage strong. Jack and Pamela first met at a South Buckinghamshire Cycling Club meet in 1953. “She was 19, I was 22 and we were both keen cyclists,” says Jack, 86. “Pam’s sister introduced us and I invited Pam to join us on some club rides.” For Jack and Pam cycling together was a first date that blossomed into a true romance. They married a year later and still ride out with their local Cycling UK club having moved to Ludlow from Buckinghamshire when their children left home. “I’m a very competitive cyclist,” says Jack, who still rides an average of 1,000 miles on his indoor turbo trainer over the winter. “But Pam prefers the touring and the social side of cycling. I’ve taken part in over 800 time-trials and have ridden over 250,000 miles since I took up the sport. Pam has marshalled time trials in the past and also made the cakes and teas. We both get different things out of being on a bike.” Pamela and Jack on a cycling holiday to L'Escala in Spain The passion for cycling runs in the family too. “As soon as they were old enough we got our two daughters into cycling,” says Pamela. “When Jack bought a triplet, him on the front, the youngest, Carolyn, in the middle and Susan on the back. We toured and hostelled with it on the Isle of Wight. That week we became notorious on the island with that triplet, with motorists tooting their horns and waving.” Both Pamela and Jack insist that compromise is a key to enjoyment when riding as a couple. “Jack likes to head off up the hills whereas I will cycle around the towns and villages. In France, Jack cycled up Mont Ventoux while I rode around the villages and stopped at the café for a coffee.” Mont Ventoux, a 1912-metre high mountain, is the hardest of all the Tour de France climbs. “I did it when I was 73, then completed it again when I was 83,” says Jack. “It hurt a lot more the second time around. Even though it was in the summer the temperature at the summit was freezing and the visibility really poor, but I managed to climb it ok.” Over the years the couple have cycled through Spain, Cyprus, France and the former Yugoslavia. ”France is the best place to ride,” says Pamela. “The drivers are more considerate and the facilities are geared up for cyclists. Over here football is the big thing, but in France cycling is definitely a national sport. Yugoslavia was interesting, Dubrovnic was beautiful but we went there over 30 years ago and it was a very different place. I remember the choice in the shops for picnic food was limited.” Jack and his daughters on a triplet “It’s been incredibly beneficial to our health too,” says Pamela. “All of the cycling we’ve done in the past has definitely paid off now. I’ve heard it said that cyclists appear 10 years younger than someone of a similar age.” Pamela’s thoughts are echoed by a new survey of 300 UK doctors by Patient.Info which highlights cycling as among the best exercises people can do to remain fit and health. “Cycling can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your cholesterol profile, as well as helping to reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and even cancer,” explains Dr Sarah Jarvis, “Not to mention the positive effects on mental health." Jack and Pamela insist that cycling has been a crucial factor in a loving relationship – but it didn’t look like that would be the case at first. “Jack fell off his bike on the eve of our wedding,” says Pamela. “He cut his head open and damaged his shoulder. It meant that the next day we had to remove his bandages before the wedding photos were taken and that I had to carry our suitcase during our honeymoon. When the vicar asked if I take this man for better or worse I thought ‘it can only get better!’ Almost 64 years later we’re still married and we’re still cycling.”

A happy, healthy marriage: meet the couple who have been cycling together for 64 years

If you’re looking for a novel way to spend Valentine’s Day as a couple, or an exciting idea for first date then donning the Lycra, clipping in to the pedals and cycling into the sunset could be the best way to a long and loving partnership. New research shows that going for a ride may be the best way to set the wheels in motion on a new relationship. A survey carried out by the dating app Bumble and AirBnb reveals that 77 percent of women would be impressed by a prospective partner suggesting a new experience as a date option – and cycling together featured among the favourites. Riding for romance has certainly worked for Jack White, 86, and wife Pamela, 84. The couple, who regularly rides around their home town of Ludlow, in Shropshire are celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary this year. They insist that it’s a shared love of cycling that’s kept their marriage strong. Jack and Pamela first met at a South Buckinghamshire Cycling Club meet in 1953. “She was 19, I was 22 and we were both keen cyclists,” says Jack, 86. “Pam’s sister introduced us and I invited Pam to join us on some club rides.” For Jack and Pam cycling together was a first date that blossomed into a true romance. They married a year later and still ride out with their local Cycling UK club having moved to Ludlow from Buckinghamshire when their children left home. “I’m a very competitive cyclist,” says Jack, who still rides an average of 1,000 miles on his indoor turbo trainer over the winter. “But Pam prefers the touring and the social side of cycling. I’ve taken part in over 800 time-trials and have ridden over 250,000 miles since I took up the sport. Pam has marshalled time trials in the past and also made the cakes and teas. We both get different things out of being on a bike.” Pamela and Jack on a cycling holiday to L'Escala in Spain The passion for cycling runs in the family too. “As soon as they were old enough we got our two daughters into cycling,” says Pamela. “When Jack bought a triplet, him on the front, the youngest, Carolyn, in the middle and Susan on the back. We toured and hostelled with it on the Isle of Wight. That week we became notorious on the island with that triplet, with motorists tooting their horns and waving.” Both Pamela and Jack insist that compromise is a key to enjoyment when riding as a couple. “Jack likes to head off up the hills whereas I will cycle around the towns and villages. In France, Jack cycled up Mont Ventoux while I rode around the villages and stopped at the café for a coffee.” Mont Ventoux, a 1912-metre high mountain, is the hardest of all the Tour de France climbs. “I did it when I was 73, then completed it again when I was 83,” says Jack. “It hurt a lot more the second time around. Even though it was in the summer the temperature at the summit was freezing and the visibility really poor, but I managed to climb it ok.” Over the years the couple have cycled through Spain, Cyprus, France and the former Yugoslavia. ”France is the best place to ride,” says Pamela. “The drivers are more considerate and the facilities are geared up for cyclists. Over here football is the big thing, but in France cycling is definitely a national sport. Yugoslavia was interesting, Dubrovnic was beautiful but we went there over 30 years ago and it was a very different place. I remember the choice in the shops for picnic food was limited.” Jack and his daughters on a triplet “It’s been incredibly beneficial to our health too,” says Pamela. “All of the cycling we’ve done in the past has definitely paid off now. I’ve heard it said that cyclists appear 10 years younger than someone of a similar age.” Pamela’s thoughts are echoed by a new survey of 300 UK doctors by Patient.Info which highlights cycling as among the best exercises people can do to remain fit and health. “Cycling can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your cholesterol profile, as well as helping to reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and even cancer,” explains Dr Sarah Jarvis, “Not to mention the positive effects on mental health." Jack and Pamela insist that cycling has been a crucial factor in a loving relationship – but it didn’t look like that would be the case at first. “Jack fell off his bike on the eve of our wedding,” says Pamela. “He cut his head open and damaged his shoulder. It meant that the next day we had to remove his bandages before the wedding photos were taken and that I had to carry our suitcase during our honeymoon. When the vicar asked if I take this man for better or worse I thought ‘it can only get better!’ Almost 64 years later we’re still married and we’re still cycling.”

A happy, healthy marriage: meet the couple who have been cycling together for 64 years

If you’re looking for a novel way to spend Valentine’s Day as a couple, or an exciting idea for first date then donning the Lycra, clipping in to the pedals and cycling into the sunset could be the best way to a long and loving partnership. New research shows that going for a ride may be the best way to set the wheels in motion on a new relationship. A survey carried out by the dating app Bumble and AirBnb reveals that 77 percent of women would be impressed by a prospective partner suggesting a new experience as a date option – and cycling together featured among the favourites. Riding for romance has certainly worked for Jack White, 86, and wife Pamela, 84. The couple, who regularly rides around their home town of Ludlow, in Shropshire are celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary this year. They insist that it’s a shared love of cycling that’s kept their marriage strong. Jack and Pamela first met at a South Buckinghamshire Cycling Club meet in 1953. “She was 19, I was 22 and we were both keen cyclists,” says Jack, 86. “Pam’s sister introduced us and I invited Pam to join us on some club rides.” For Jack and Pam cycling together was a first date that blossomed into a true romance. They married a year later and still ride out with their local Cycling UK club having moved to Ludlow from Buckinghamshire when their children left home. “I’m a very competitive cyclist,” says Jack, who still rides an average of 1,000 miles on his indoor turbo trainer over the winter. “But Pam prefers the touring and the social side of cycling. I’ve taken part in over 800 time-trials and have ridden over 250,000 miles since I took up the sport. Pam has marshalled time trials in the past and also made the cakes and teas. We both get different things out of being on a bike.” Pamela and Jack on a cycling holiday to L'Escala in Spain The passion for cycling runs in the family too. “As soon as they were old enough we got our two daughters into cycling,” says Pamela. “When Jack bought a triplet, him on the front, the youngest, Carolyn, in the middle and Susan on the back. We toured and hostelled with it on the Isle of Wight. That week we became notorious on the island with that triplet, with motorists tooting their horns and waving.” Both Pamela and Jack insist that compromise is a key to enjoyment when riding as a couple. “Jack likes to head off up the hills whereas I will cycle around the towns and villages. In France, Jack cycled up Mont Ventoux while I rode around the villages and stopped at the café for a coffee.” Mont Ventoux, a 1912-metre high mountain, is the hardest of all the Tour de France climbs. “I did it when I was 73, then completed it again when I was 83,” says Jack. “It hurt a lot more the second time around. Even though it was in the summer the temperature at the summit was freezing and the visibility really poor, but I managed to climb it ok.” Over the years the couple have cycled through Spain, Cyprus, France and the former Yugoslavia. ”France is the best place to ride,” says Pamela. “The drivers are more considerate and the facilities are geared up for cyclists. Over here football is the big thing, but in France cycling is definitely a national sport. Yugoslavia was interesting, Dubrovnic was beautiful but we went there over 30 years ago and it was a very different place. I remember the choice in the shops for picnic food was limited.” Jack and his daughters on a triplet “It’s been incredibly beneficial to our health too,” says Pamela. “All of the cycling we’ve done in the past has definitely paid off now. I’ve heard it said that cyclists appear 10 years younger than someone of a similar age.” Pamela’s thoughts are echoed by a new survey of 300 UK doctors by Patient.Info which highlights cycling as among the best exercises people can do to remain fit and health. “Cycling can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your cholesterol profile, as well as helping to reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and even cancer,” explains Dr Sarah Jarvis, “Not to mention the positive effects on mental health." Jack and Pamela insist that cycling has been a crucial factor in a loving relationship – but it didn’t look like that would be the case at first. “Jack fell off his bike on the eve of our wedding,” says Pamela. “He cut his head open and damaged his shoulder. It meant that the next day we had to remove his bandages before the wedding photos were taken and that I had to carry our suitcase during our honeymoon. When the vicar asked if I take this man for better or worse I thought ‘it can only get better!’ Almost 64 years later we’re still married and we’re still cycling.”

France summer booking guide Beach Villa Culture Food Activity Cruise Our recent domination of the Tour de France has inspired an upsurge in Lycra-clad Britons torturing themselves in the Alps and beyond. Last time I drove up the Mont Ventoux (exhausting enough), I could barely accelerate for flocks of cyclists having what appeared to be the worst time of their lives. They will tell you they love it, and I can’t prove they are lying. Adventure specialist Love Velo is among those organising this sort of break for those with the stamina and the commitment. Cycling For Softies is more my kind of tour operator, offering bike trips along the new Loire Valley cycle-way which is largely flat (see the "tour operators" category below for company details). But cycling's not all. France is a vast, and vastly diverse, adventure playground, from Med beaches to glaciers. The incurably active need only ever to stop to eat their sandwiches, and then not for long. Summertime in the Alps or Pyrenees might involve hiking, canyoning, climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain-biking - or all five. KE Adventure specialises in the field. Corsica in another gem for hiking Credit: Getty See our pick of the top 10 activity holidays in France Meanwhile, the Verdon Gorge, Europe's version of the Grand Canyon, and Haute-Provence in general, are also focal points of hairy-legged endeavour. But it's equally rewarding to get to the side of well-worn tracks - in the gentler, more rounded volcanic hills of the Auvergne or the lovely, little-known Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, hard by the Swiss border. Scroll down for a list of tour operators offering activity holidays in France The best hotels in France And then there is the coast. France offers almost everything you can do on or under water, short of whaling. European surfing started in Biarritz in 1957; the Aquitaine coast, pounded by Atlantic rollers, remains France's HQ for board folk. Meanwhile, the Med is usually (though not invariably) less vigorous. If nevertheless you fancy doing more than just lolling about on a beach, look out for the Station Nautique logo. It indicates that a resort - say, Cavalaire - is particularly talented at sending you off diving, sailing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing and otherwise knocking yourself out. Anthony Peregrine Tour operators offering activity holidays in France Walking and cycling ATG Oxford (01865 315678; atg-oxford.co.uk) High-quality escorted walking, and cheaper, independent walking/cycling options. Belle France (01580 214010; bellefrance.co.uk) Large choice of mostly independent cycling and walking holidays. Exodus (0845 508 4195; exodus.co.uk) From challenging Alpine treks and rides along classic Tour de France sections, to gentle, self-guided cycling. Explore (01252 883597; explore.co.uk) Small-group French tours vary from Mont Blanc trekking to easy cycling along the Canal du Midi. There are many operators to choose from to book your walking holiday in France Headwater (01606 828307; headwater.com) Relaxed, independent walking, cycling and canoeing breaks. HF Holidays (0345 470 8558; hfholidays.co.uk) Guided walking, often with choice of walks each day. Inntravel (01653 617000; inntravel.co.uk) Large selection of easy-paced, independent walking and cycling options. KE Adventure Travel (017687 73966; keadventure.com) Good for serious trekking in the Alps, Pyrenees and Corsica. Tackling Mont Ventoux is a must for any keen cyclist Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (01707 331133; ramblersholidays.co.uk) Guided walking; see its Adagio programme (adagio.co.uk) for "ambling rather than rambling". Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle.co.uk) Wide choice of escorted and independent cycling, including taxing options over high mountain passes. Susi Madron's Cycling for Softies (0161 248 8282; cycling-for-softies.co.uk) Staying at comfy hotels offering good food. Other self-guided walking options: On Foot Holidays (01722 322652; onfootholidays.co.uk) Sherpa (020 8577 2717; sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk) World Walks (01242 254353; worldwalks.com) Other cycling options: Breton Bikes (0033 2 96 24 86 72; bretonbikes.com) The Chain Gang (01392 662262; thechaingang.co.uk) Freewheel Holidays (0161 7035823; freewheelholidays.co.uk) 20 places in France you'd never thought to visit Family activity holidays Acorn Family Holidays (0121 504 2070; acornfamilyholidays.co.uk) Camping in the Ardèche, Normandy and on the Opal Coast near Calais combined with a Disneyland Paris visit. Activities Abroad (01670 789991; activitiesabroad.com) Canoeing, rock climbing and more. Esprit Sun (01483 345628; espritsun.com) Bases in the Alps; excellent childcare. PGL (0844 371 0101; pgl.co.uk) Affordable breaks for families and unaccompanied children at several French centres. Exodus offers canoeing in the Dordogne, Explore and KE Adventure Travel multi-activity trips to the Alps (see contacts above). Some operators listed above also offer family-oriented walking and cycling breaks: Inntravel (see above) has a self-guided cycling option in the Loire. Summer is no poor cousin to winter in the French Alps Credit: Getty BoatingLe Boat (0844 334 8952; leboat.co.uk) Cruiser rentals from many bases on the French canals. Freewheel Afloat (0116 255 8417; freewheelafloat.com) Rents pénichettes - lovable French barges. Nature Naturetrek (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk) Great choice of wildlife tours - searching for butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wild flowers. The Alps Making DIY arrangements for summer activities in Alpine resorts is easy. These companies are good for hotel and/or self-catering breaks/accommodation in the mountains: Inghams (01483 345730; inghams.co.uk Lagrange Holidays (020 7371 6111; lagrange-holidays.co.uk) Peak Retreats (0844 576 0170; peakretreats.co.uk) Tour operator listings by Fred Mawer

How to find the best activity holiday in France

France summer booking guide Beach Villa Culture Food Activity Cruise Our recent domination of the Tour de France has inspired an upsurge in Lycra-clad Britons torturing themselves in the Alps and beyond. Last time I drove up the Mont Ventoux (exhausting enough), I could barely accelerate for flocks of cyclists having what appeared to be the worst time of their lives. They will tell you they love it, and I can’t prove they are lying. Adventure specialist Love Velo is among those organising this sort of break for those with the stamina and the commitment. Cycling For Softies is more my kind of tour operator, offering bike trips along the new Loire Valley cycle-way which is largely flat (see the "tour operators" category below for company details). But cycling's not all. France is a vast, and vastly diverse, adventure playground, from Med beaches to glaciers. The incurably active need only ever to stop to eat their sandwiches, and then not for long. Summertime in the Alps or Pyrenees might involve hiking, canyoning, climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain-biking - or all five. KE Adventure specialises in the field. Corsica in another gem for hiking Credit: Getty See our pick of the top 10 activity holidays in France Meanwhile, the Verdon Gorge, Europe's version of the Grand Canyon, and Haute-Provence in general, are also focal points of hairy-legged endeavour. But it's equally rewarding to get to the side of well-worn tracks - in the gentler, more rounded volcanic hills of the Auvergne or the lovely, little-known Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, hard by the Swiss border. Scroll down for a list of tour operators offering activity holidays in France The best hotels in France And then there is the coast. France offers almost everything you can do on or under water, short of whaling. European surfing started in Biarritz in 1957; the Aquitaine coast, pounded by Atlantic rollers, remains France's HQ for board folk. Meanwhile, the Med is usually (though not invariably) less vigorous. If nevertheless you fancy doing more than just lolling about on a beach, look out for the Station Nautique logo. It indicates that a resort - say, Cavalaire - is particularly talented at sending you off diving, sailing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing and otherwise knocking yourself out. Anthony Peregrine Tour operators offering activity holidays in France Walking and cycling ATG Oxford (01865 315678; atg-oxford.co.uk) High-quality escorted walking, and cheaper, independent walking/cycling options. Belle France (01580 214010; bellefrance.co.uk) Large choice of mostly independent cycling and walking holidays. Exodus (0845 508 4195; exodus.co.uk) From challenging Alpine treks and rides along classic Tour de France sections, to gentle, self-guided cycling. Explore (01252 883597; explore.co.uk) Small-group French tours vary from Mont Blanc trekking to easy cycling along the Canal du Midi. There are many operators to choose from to book your walking holiday in France Headwater (01606 828307; headwater.com) Relaxed, independent walking, cycling and canoeing breaks. HF Holidays (0345 470 8558; hfholidays.co.uk) Guided walking, often with choice of walks each day. Inntravel (01653 617000; inntravel.co.uk) Large selection of easy-paced, independent walking and cycling options. KE Adventure Travel (017687 73966; keadventure.com) Good for serious trekking in the Alps, Pyrenees and Corsica. Tackling Mont Ventoux is a must for any keen cyclist Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (01707 331133; ramblersholidays.co.uk) Guided walking; see its Adagio programme (adagio.co.uk) for "ambling rather than rambling". Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle.co.uk) Wide choice of escorted and independent cycling, including taxing options over high mountain passes. Susi Madron's Cycling for Softies (0161 248 8282; cycling-for-softies.co.uk) Staying at comfy hotels offering good food. Other self-guided walking options: On Foot Holidays (01722 322652; onfootholidays.co.uk) Sherpa (020 8577 2717; sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk) World Walks (01242 254353; worldwalks.com) Other cycling options: Breton Bikes (0033 2 96 24 86 72; bretonbikes.com) The Chain Gang (01392 662262; thechaingang.co.uk) Freewheel Holidays (0161 7035823; freewheelholidays.co.uk) 20 places in France you'd never thought to visit Family activity holidays Acorn Family Holidays (0121 504 2070; acornfamilyholidays.co.uk) Camping in the Ardèche, Normandy and on the Opal Coast near Calais combined with a Disneyland Paris visit. Activities Abroad (01670 789991; activitiesabroad.com) Canoeing, rock climbing and more. Esprit Sun (01483 345628; espritsun.com) Bases in the Alps; excellent childcare. PGL (0844 371 0101; pgl.co.uk) Affordable breaks for families and unaccompanied children at several French centres. Exodus offers canoeing in the Dordogne, Explore and KE Adventure Travel multi-activity trips to the Alps (see contacts above). Some operators listed above also offer family-oriented walking and cycling breaks: Inntravel (see above) has a self-guided cycling option in the Loire. Summer is no poor cousin to winter in the French Alps Credit: Getty BoatingLe Boat (0844 334 8952; leboat.co.uk) Cruiser rentals from many bases on the French canals. Freewheel Afloat (0116 255 8417; freewheelafloat.com) Rents pénichettes - lovable French barges. Nature Naturetrek (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk) Great choice of wildlife tours - searching for butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wild flowers. The Alps Making DIY arrangements for summer activities in Alpine resorts is easy. These companies are good for hotel and/or self-catering breaks/accommodation in the mountains: Inghams (01483 345730; inghams.co.uk Lagrange Holidays (020 7371 6111; lagrange-holidays.co.uk) Peak Retreats (0844 576 0170; peakretreats.co.uk) Tour operator listings by Fred Mawer

How to find the best activity holiday in France

France summer booking guide Beach Villa Culture Food Activity Cruise Our recent domination of the Tour de France has inspired an upsurge in Lycra-clad Britons torturing themselves in the Alps and beyond. Last time I drove up the Mont Ventoux (exhausting enough), I could barely accelerate for flocks of cyclists having what appeared to be the worst time of their lives. They will tell you they love it, and I can’t prove they are lying. Adventure specialist Love Velo is among those organising this sort of break for those with the stamina and the commitment. Cycling For Softies is more my kind of tour operator, offering bike trips along the new Loire Valley cycle-way which is largely flat (see the "tour operators" category below for company details). But cycling's not all. France is a vast, and vastly diverse, adventure playground, from Med beaches to glaciers. The incurably active need only ever to stop to eat their sandwiches, and then not for long. Summertime in the Alps or Pyrenees might involve hiking, canyoning, climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain-biking - or all five. KE Adventure specialises in the field. Corsica in another gem for hiking Credit: Getty See our pick of the top 10 activity holidays in France Meanwhile, the Verdon Gorge, Europe's version of the Grand Canyon, and Haute-Provence in general, are also focal points of hairy-legged endeavour. But it's equally rewarding to get to the side of well-worn tracks - in the gentler, more rounded volcanic hills of the Auvergne or the lovely, little-known Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, hard by the Swiss border. Scroll down for a list of tour operators offering activity holidays in France The best hotels in France And then there is the coast. France offers almost everything you can do on or under water, short of whaling. European surfing started in Biarritz in 1957; the Aquitaine coast, pounded by Atlantic rollers, remains France's HQ for board folk. Meanwhile, the Med is usually (though not invariably) less vigorous. If nevertheless you fancy doing more than just lolling about on a beach, look out for the Station Nautique logo. It indicates that a resort - say, Cavalaire - is particularly talented at sending you off diving, sailing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing and otherwise knocking yourself out. Anthony Peregrine Tour operators offering activity holidays in France Walking and cycling ATG Oxford (01865 315678; atg-oxford.co.uk) High-quality escorted walking, and cheaper, independent walking/cycling options. Belle France (01580 214010; bellefrance.co.uk) Large choice of mostly independent cycling and walking holidays. Exodus (0845 508 4195; exodus.co.uk) From challenging Alpine treks and rides along classic Tour de France sections, to gentle, self-guided cycling. Explore (01252 883597; explore.co.uk) Small-group French tours vary from Mont Blanc trekking to easy cycling along the Canal du Midi. There are many operators to choose from to book your walking holiday in France Headwater (01606 828307; headwater.com) Relaxed, independent walking, cycling and canoeing breaks. HF Holidays (0345 470 8558; hfholidays.co.uk) Guided walking, often with choice of walks each day. Inntravel (01653 617000; inntravel.co.uk) Large selection of easy-paced, independent walking and cycling options. KE Adventure Travel (017687 73966; keadventure.com) Good for serious trekking in the Alps, Pyrenees and Corsica. Tackling Mont Ventoux is a must for any keen cyclist Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (01707 331133; ramblersholidays.co.uk) Guided walking; see its Adagio programme (adagio.co.uk) for "ambling rather than rambling". Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle.co.uk) Wide choice of escorted and independent cycling, including taxing options over high mountain passes. Susi Madron's Cycling for Softies (0161 248 8282; cycling-for-softies.co.uk) Staying at comfy hotels offering good food. Other self-guided walking options: On Foot Holidays (01722 322652; onfootholidays.co.uk) Sherpa (020 8577 2717; sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk) World Walks (01242 254353; worldwalks.com) Other cycling options: Breton Bikes (0033 2 96 24 86 72; bretonbikes.com) The Chain Gang (01392 662262; thechaingang.co.uk) Freewheel Holidays (0161 7035823; freewheelholidays.co.uk) 20 places in France you'd never thought to visit Family activity holidays Acorn Family Holidays (0121 504 2070; acornfamilyholidays.co.uk) Camping in the Ardèche, Normandy and on the Opal Coast near Calais combined with a Disneyland Paris visit. Activities Abroad (01670 789991; activitiesabroad.com) Canoeing, rock climbing and more. Esprit Sun (01483 345628; espritsun.com) Bases in the Alps; excellent childcare. PGL (0844 371 0101; pgl.co.uk) Affordable breaks for families and unaccompanied children at several French centres. Exodus offers canoeing in the Dordogne, Explore and KE Adventure Travel multi-activity trips to the Alps (see contacts above). Some operators listed above also offer family-oriented walking and cycling breaks: Inntravel (see above) has a self-guided cycling option in the Loire. Summer is no poor cousin to winter in the French Alps Credit: Getty BoatingLe Boat (0844 334 8952; leboat.co.uk) Cruiser rentals from many bases on the French canals. Freewheel Afloat (0116 255 8417; freewheelafloat.com) Rents pénichettes - lovable French barges. Nature Naturetrek (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk) Great choice of wildlife tours - searching for butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wild flowers. The Alps Making DIY arrangements for summer activities in Alpine resorts is easy. These companies are good for hotel and/or self-catering breaks/accommodation in the mountains: Inghams (01483 345730; inghams.co.uk Lagrange Holidays (020 7371 6111; lagrange-holidays.co.uk) Peak Retreats (0844 576 0170; peakretreats.co.uk) Tour operator listings by Fred Mawer

How to find the best activity holiday in France

France summer booking guide Beach Villa Culture Food Activity Cruise Our recent domination of the Tour de France has inspired an upsurge in Lycra-clad Britons torturing themselves in the Alps and beyond. Last time I drove up the Mont Ventoux (exhausting enough), I could barely accelerate for flocks of cyclists having what appeared to be the worst time of their lives. They will tell you they love it, and I can’t prove they are lying. Adventure specialist Love Velo is among those organising this sort of break for those with the stamina and the commitment. Cycling For Softies is more my kind of tour operator, offering bike trips along the new Loire Valley cycle-way which is largely flat (see the "tour operators" category below for company details). But cycling's not all. France is a vast, and vastly diverse, adventure playground, from Med beaches to glaciers. The incurably active need only ever to stop to eat their sandwiches, and then not for long. Summertime in the Alps or Pyrenees might involve hiking, canyoning, climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain-biking - or all five. KE Adventure specialises in the field. Corsica in another gem for hiking Credit: Getty See our pick of the top 10 activity holidays in France Meanwhile, the Verdon Gorge, Europe's version of the Grand Canyon, and Haute-Provence in general, are also focal points of hairy-legged endeavour. But it's equally rewarding to get to the side of well-worn tracks - in the gentler, more rounded volcanic hills of the Auvergne or the lovely, little-known Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, hard by the Swiss border. Scroll down for a list of tour operators offering activity holidays in France The best hotels in France And then there is the coast. France offers almost everything you can do on or under water, short of whaling. European surfing started in Biarritz in 1957; the Aquitaine coast, pounded by Atlantic rollers, remains France's HQ for board folk. Meanwhile, the Med is usually (though not invariably) less vigorous. If nevertheless you fancy doing more than just lolling about on a beach, look out for the Station Nautique logo. It indicates that a resort - say, Cavalaire - is particularly talented at sending you off diving, sailing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing and otherwise knocking yourself out. Anthony Peregrine Tour operators offering activity holidays in France Walking and cycling ATG Oxford (01865 315678; atg-oxford.co.uk) High-quality escorted walking, and cheaper, independent walking/cycling options. Belle France (01580 214010; bellefrance.co.uk) Large choice of mostly independent cycling and walking holidays. Exodus (0845 508 4195; exodus.co.uk) From challenging Alpine treks and rides along classic Tour de France sections, to gentle, self-guided cycling. Explore (01252 883597; explore.co.uk) Small-group French tours vary from Mont Blanc trekking to easy cycling along the Canal du Midi. There are many operators to choose from to book your walking holiday in France Headwater (01606 828307; headwater.com) Relaxed, independent walking, cycling and canoeing breaks. HF Holidays (0345 470 8558; hfholidays.co.uk) Guided walking, often with choice of walks each day. Inntravel (01653 617000; inntravel.co.uk) Large selection of easy-paced, independent walking and cycling options. KE Adventure Travel (017687 73966; keadventure.com) Good for serious trekking in the Alps, Pyrenees and Corsica. Tackling Mont Ventoux is a must for any keen cyclist Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (01707 331133; ramblersholidays.co.uk) Guided walking; see its Adagio programme (adagio.co.uk) for "ambling rather than rambling". Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle.co.uk) Wide choice of escorted and independent cycling, including taxing options over high mountain passes. Susi Madron's Cycling for Softies (0161 248 8282; cycling-for-softies.co.uk) Staying at comfy hotels offering good food. Other self-guided walking options: On Foot Holidays (01722 322652; onfootholidays.co.uk) Sherpa (020 8577 2717; sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk) World Walks (01242 254353; worldwalks.com) Other cycling options: Breton Bikes (0033 2 96 24 86 72; bretonbikes.com) The Chain Gang (01392 662262; thechaingang.co.uk) Freewheel Holidays (0161 7035823; freewheelholidays.co.uk) 20 places in France you'd never thought to visit Family activity holidays Acorn Family Holidays (0121 504 2070; acornfamilyholidays.co.uk) Camping in the Ardèche, Normandy and on the Opal Coast near Calais combined with a Disneyland Paris visit. Activities Abroad (01670 789991; activitiesabroad.com) Canoeing, rock climbing and more. Esprit Sun (01483 345628; espritsun.com) Bases in the Alps; excellent childcare. PGL (0844 371 0101; pgl.co.uk) Affordable breaks for families and unaccompanied children at several French centres. Exodus offers canoeing in the Dordogne, Explore and KE Adventure Travel multi-activity trips to the Alps (see contacts above). Some operators listed above also offer family-oriented walking and cycling breaks: Inntravel (see above) has a self-guided cycling option in the Loire. Summer is no poor cousin to winter in the French Alps Credit: Getty BoatingLe Boat (0844 334 8952; leboat.co.uk) Cruiser rentals from many bases on the French canals. Freewheel Afloat (0116 255 8417; freewheelafloat.com) Rents pénichettes - lovable French barges. Nature Naturetrek (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk) Great choice of wildlife tours - searching for butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wild flowers. The Alps Making DIY arrangements for summer activities in Alpine resorts is easy. These companies are good for hotel and/or self-catering breaks/accommodation in the mountains: Inghams (01483 345730; inghams.co.uk Lagrange Holidays (020 7371 6111; lagrange-holidays.co.uk) Peak Retreats (0844 576 0170; peakretreats.co.uk) Tour operator listings by Fred Mawer

How to find the best activity holiday in France

France summer booking guide Beach Villa Culture Food Activity Cruise Our recent domination of the Tour de France has inspired an upsurge in Lycra-clad Britons torturing themselves in the Alps and beyond. Last time I drove up the Mont Ventoux (exhausting enough), I could barely accelerate for flocks of cyclists having what appeared to be the worst time of their lives. They will tell you they love it, and I can’t prove they are lying. Adventure specialist Love Velo is among those organising this sort of break for those with the stamina and the commitment. Cycling For Softies is more my kind of tour operator, offering bike trips along the new Loire Valley cycle-way which is largely flat (see the "tour operators" category below for company details). But cycling's not all. France is a vast, and vastly diverse, adventure playground, from Med beaches to glaciers. The incurably active need only ever to stop to eat their sandwiches, and then not for long. Summertime in the Alps or Pyrenees might involve hiking, canyoning, climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain-biking - or all five. KE Adventure specialises in the field. Corsica in another gem for hiking Credit: Getty See our pick of the top 10 activity holidays in France Meanwhile, the Verdon Gorge, Europe's version of the Grand Canyon, and Haute-Provence in general, are also focal points of hairy-legged endeavour. But it's equally rewarding to get to the side of well-worn tracks - in the gentler, more rounded volcanic hills of the Auvergne or the lovely, little-known Jura mountains of Franche-Comté, hard by the Swiss border. Scroll down for a list of tour operators offering activity holidays in France The best hotels in France And then there is the coast. France offers almost everything you can do on or under water, short of whaling. European surfing started in Biarritz in 1957; the Aquitaine coast, pounded by Atlantic rollers, remains France's HQ for board folk. Meanwhile, the Med is usually (though not invariably) less vigorous. If nevertheless you fancy doing more than just lolling about on a beach, look out for the Station Nautique logo. It indicates that a resort - say, Cavalaire - is particularly talented at sending you off diving, sailing, jet-skiing, kite-surfing and otherwise knocking yourself out. Anthony Peregrine Tour operators offering activity holidays in France Walking and cycling ATG Oxford (01865 315678; atg-oxford.co.uk) High-quality escorted walking, and cheaper, independent walking/cycling options. Belle France (01580 214010; bellefrance.co.uk) Large choice of mostly independent cycling and walking holidays. Exodus (0845 508 4195; exodus.co.uk) From challenging Alpine treks and rides along classic Tour de France sections, to gentle, self-guided cycling. Explore (01252 883597; explore.co.uk) Small-group French tours vary from Mont Blanc trekking to easy cycling along the Canal du Midi. There are many operators to choose from to book your walking holiday in France Headwater (01606 828307; headwater.com) Relaxed, independent walking, cycling and canoeing breaks. HF Holidays (0345 470 8558; hfholidays.co.uk) Guided walking, often with choice of walks each day. Inntravel (01653 617000; inntravel.co.uk) Large selection of easy-paced, independent walking and cycling options. KE Adventure Travel (017687 73966; keadventure.com) Good for serious trekking in the Alps, Pyrenees and Corsica. Tackling Mont Ventoux is a must for any keen cyclist Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (01707 331133; ramblersholidays.co.uk) Guided walking; see its Adagio programme (adagio.co.uk) for "ambling rather than rambling". Saddle Skedaddle (0191 265 1110; skedaddle.co.uk) Wide choice of escorted and independent cycling, including taxing options over high mountain passes. Susi Madron's Cycling for Softies (0161 248 8282; cycling-for-softies.co.uk) Staying at comfy hotels offering good food. Other self-guided walking options: On Foot Holidays (01722 322652; onfootholidays.co.uk) Sherpa (020 8577 2717; sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk) World Walks (01242 254353; worldwalks.com) Other cycling options: Breton Bikes (0033 2 96 24 86 72; bretonbikes.com) The Chain Gang (01392 662262; thechaingang.co.uk) Freewheel Holidays (0161 7035823; freewheelholidays.co.uk) 20 places in France you'd never thought to visit Family activity holidays Acorn Family Holidays (0121 504 2070; acornfamilyholidays.co.uk) Camping in the Ardèche, Normandy and on the Opal Coast near Calais combined with a Disneyland Paris visit. Activities Abroad (01670 789991; activitiesabroad.com) Canoeing, rock climbing and more. Esprit Sun (01483 345628; espritsun.com) Bases in the Alps; excellent childcare. PGL (0844 371 0101; pgl.co.uk) Affordable breaks for families and unaccompanied children at several French centres. Exodus offers canoeing in the Dordogne, Explore and KE Adventure Travel multi-activity trips to the Alps (see contacts above). Some operators listed above also offer family-oriented walking and cycling breaks: Inntravel (see above) has a self-guided cycling option in the Loire. Summer is no poor cousin to winter in the French Alps Credit: Getty BoatingLe Boat (0844 334 8952; leboat.co.uk) Cruiser rentals from many bases on the French canals. Freewheel Afloat (0116 255 8417; freewheelafloat.com) Rents pénichettes - lovable French barges. Nature Naturetrek (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk) Great choice of wildlife tours - searching for butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wild flowers. The Alps Making DIY arrangements for summer activities in Alpine resorts is easy. These companies are good for hotel and/or self-catering breaks/accommodation in the mountains: Inghams (01483 345730; inghams.co.uk Lagrange Holidays (020 7371 6111; lagrange-holidays.co.uk) Peak Retreats (0844 576 0170; peakretreats.co.uk) Tour operator listings by Fred Mawer

Olympic sprinter Nigel Levine is facing a doping ban after British Athletics announced on Wednesday morning that he had been provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test. News of Levine's failed test first emerged last December, in the highest profile doping case to hit British athletics for a decade. The 400m runner had been planning his competitive comeback after breaking his pelvis in a serious motorbike accident in January. However, he failed a test for a substance believed to be clenbuterol, and is now fighting to salvage his career. “UK Athletics has today announced that athlete Nigel Levine has been provisionally suspended from participating in athletics after being charged with having committed an anti-doping rule violation,” said a UK Athletics spokesperson. “The provisional suspension was issued by UK Anti-Doping and is in accordance with IAAF Anti-Doping Rules. “The individual now has the opportunity to respond to the charge against him including the right to a full hearing of the case.” Telegraph Sport has contacted Levine for comment. Levnie (far left) pictured after winning silver as part of the British men's 4X400m relay at the European Athletics Championships in 2012 Credit: GETTY IMAGES Levine, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Northamptonshire, has been a mainstay of the British 4x400 team since making his senior international debut in 2009. He has twice won European relay gold and made it onto three world indoor podiums as part of British 4x400m teams, but his career was thrown into doubt when the motorbike he was riding with team-mate James Ellington collided with a car while on a British Athletics training camp last January. That accident left him hospitalised for weeks, while Ellington is yet to return to sprinting more than a year after suffering life-threatening injuries. Speaking about the decision to retain Levine on top level funding last November, UK Athletics performance director Neil Black said: "Nigel's recovery from that accident is at an advanced stage in terms of his ability to compete again. As such we are able to retain him on the World Class Performance Programme in his capacity as a relay athlete." The strangest excuses for testing positive British athletics has been largely free of high-profile failed drugs tests since Dwain Chambers was banned for two years when he tested positive for multiple substances in 2003. Former 110m hurdler Callum Priestley had been considered one of the country's most exciting track prospects until he tested positive for clenbuterol in 2010 and quit the sport after he was handed a two-year ban. Clenbuterol is used primarily in the treatment of asthma and other breathing disorders, but has performance-enhancing qualities as a weight-loss drug. The most famous case saw Alberto Contador stripped of his 2010 Tour de France title after testing positive for the substance.

British sprinter Nigel Levine faces ban after failing drugs test

Olympic sprinter Nigel Levine is facing a doping ban after British Athletics announced on Wednesday morning that he had been provisionally suspended for failing a drugs test. News of Levine's failed test first emerged last December, in the highest profile doping case to hit British athletics for a decade. The 400m runner had been planning his competitive comeback after breaking his pelvis in a serious motorbike accident in January. However, he failed a test for a substance believed to be clenbuterol, and is now fighting to salvage his career. “UK Athletics has today announced that athlete Nigel Levine has been provisionally suspended from participating in athletics after being charged with having committed an anti-doping rule violation,” said a UK Athletics spokesperson. “The provisional suspension was issued by UK Anti-Doping and is in accordance with IAAF Anti-Doping Rules. “The individual now has the opportunity to respond to the charge against him including the right to a full hearing of the case.” Telegraph Sport has contacted Levine for comment. Levnie (far left) pictured after winning silver as part of the British men's 4X400m relay at the European Athletics Championships in 2012 Credit: GETTY IMAGES Levine, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Northamptonshire, has been a mainstay of the British 4x400 team since making his senior international debut in 2009. He has twice won European relay gold and made it onto three world indoor podiums as part of British 4x400m teams, but his career was thrown into doubt when the motorbike he was riding with team-mate James Ellington collided with a car while on a British Athletics training camp last January. That accident left him hospitalised for weeks, while Ellington is yet to return to sprinting more than a year after suffering life-threatening injuries. Speaking about the decision to retain Levine on top level funding last November, UK Athletics performance director Neil Black said: "Nigel's recovery from that accident is at an advanced stage in terms of his ability to compete again. As such we are able to retain him on the World Class Performance Programme in his capacity as a relay athlete." The strangest excuses for testing positive British athletics has been largely free of high-profile failed drugs tests since Dwain Chambers was banned for two years when he tested positive for multiple substances in 2003. Former 110m hurdler Callum Priestley had been considered one of the country's most exciting track prospects until he tested positive for clenbuterol in 2010 and quit the sport after he was handed a two-year ban. Clenbuterol is used primarily in the treatment of asthma and other breathing disorders, but has performance-enhancing qualities as a weight-loss drug. The most famous case saw Alberto Contador stripped of his 2010 Tour de France title after testing positive for the substance.